Q and A

Question

Can I have sex while on PEP?

3 January 2022. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE, Sexual health.

I have just started PEP after a drunk one night stand with an HIV positive person. While I’m on PEP can I transmit the virus to my regular partner of 12 months?

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi, how are you?

You can, but most people often have a break from sex while on PEP. Sex without a condom while you are unaware of your status can potentially put your partner at risk of HIV.

If your partner of 12 months is okay to use a condom there would not be a risk of transmitting HIV. Although some other STDs would not be prevented.

Please see this link for more information about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

Josh.

72 comments

  1. Simon Collins •

    Hi Michael

    Please see this lik for Q&As on PEP:
    https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

  2. Michael •

    Hi
    Am taking pep i had sex with the person am not sure of her status while on day 4 taking pep i unprotected sex with my partner should i have spread hiv to her

  3. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Elton, as they had a viral load less than 200 there is no risk of transmission. You do not need to be on PEP as HIV transmission would be impossible.

    U=U means when someone has a viral load below 200 HIV cannot be passed on via sex: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/

    Yes it is safe to have sex with your partner.

  4. Elton •

    Hi ther I have unprotected sex with a girl viral load of 40 am started to take PEP 8 hours after a now on day 22 is it safe to have sex with my 12 months partner

  5. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Sanele, no there is no risk to your girlfriend. While on PEP there is either no presence of HIV OR PEP will suppress HIV so much that it is impossible to pass on HIV.

    Your girlfriend is safe and does not need to be on their own course of PEP.

    More information about PEP can be found here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

  6. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Mark, what was your first partners viral load? If it was below 200 there is no risk of transmission – it would be impossible to pass on HIV via sex.

    There is no risk to your wife. Either there is already no risk of HIV or, if there is, PEP will suppress any HIV in your body to levels that are undetectable meaning that it cannot be passed on.

  7. Mark •

    Hello,Am Mark I had unprotected sex and tested after I was negative and my partner was positive but her viral load was low. I was given PEP and on my third day of PEP in the night I slept with My wife accidentally can she get infected.

  8. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Yaya, you can take/eat everything you have mentioned. There will be no interaction with your treatment.

  9. Yaya •

    I am on PEP and can drink pasteurized milk. Hard boiled eggs, avocado… eat all fruit and I have a toothache I can take ammocalavin and Voltfast for my teeth.

  10. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Chris, for information about transmission please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing